Adbul and Salima and their children lived in a refugee camp on the border of Ethiopia and Sudan. Abdul was on a search for meaning in life and met Jesus. Missionaries working in the camp gave us a heads-up on their acceptance by Immigration Canada and that they were being sent to our city. Living in a refugee camp had taken its toll because of untreated trauma, danger, and boredom. They arrived and were overwhelmed. I recall huddled together in the middle of the floor in their newly assigned apartment. The truck with government-provided furniture was on its way. So I prayed for them--tears of relief flowing down their cheeks mingled with fear and anticipation. After the furniture arrived, we set out to buy bedding and winter clothing. With time a brother took them to a suitable church. Soon they started a new routine.
Western countries are generous in welcoming needy refugees. Among these are widows, the handicapped, and ones with PTSD. Details like meeting them at the airport, providing for immediate needs, helping with life skills, arranging for medical examinations, schools for the kids, ESL schools and permanent housing are cared for. The settlement agency where I volunteer runs an English Conversation group. Twelve settlement topics covered include banking, transportation, housing, etc. There are many success stories of refugees getting established and on their own feet again.
Believer Amina, a widow from Somalia with six children arrived in our city. Her kids didn't have the chance to go to school in the country they fled to. Once settled here, her oldest teenaged son just couldn't fit into school. The reality of catching up to other kids in his class was too daunting. He dropped out and joined a gang where he had a sense of belonging again and could earn easy money selling drugs. But he got caught and ended up in prisons. A few Christians came to help Amina. Government agencies and schools came alongside this family. My colleague and I started All Nations Sports Club to give the younger boys an opportunity to get off the streets. They were at risk and needed male role models.
In Canada, Churches and groups of 5 individuals have an opportunity to sponsor new spiritual brothers and sisters stuck in hostile countries. If deported back to their Islamic countries, most likely they would face severe persecution and danger. It's a blessing to receive these dear ones into our midst where they find refuge.
Religious and political refugees often are well-educated and were well-to-do. One of our newest contacts likens their experience to a glass shattered. Life was going good until this crises. Nevertheless, they are often highly motivated and adjust quickly.
In each city there are many opportunities for Christians to volunteer at government supported settlement agencies or ESL schools. Some churches run a 'wardrobe' ministry while others host a food bank in areas where new immigrants settle. Often newcomers are confused and think everyone who is helping them works for the government!!
This is usually labor intensive but it's worth investing in newcomers. Our efforts may not be noticed till much later.
"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9.
